Meet Dr. Daniel Woolf, 20th Principal of Queen's

• Principal and Vice-Chancellor
• Professor, Department of History

Daniel Woolf is a fan of music (especially jazz), a husband, a father of three, and an avid “Tweeter.” He also graduated from Queen’s in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree, making him one of the university’s many proud alumni.

When he learned he would become the 20th principal of his alma mater, he felt a mixture of “shock, elation and a little bit of fear.” It was an honour and a challenge he looked forward to when he began his five-year term in September 2009, and one he thoroughly enjoys.

A historian by trade, Dr. Woolf continues to teach at Queen’s on a part-time basis, which gives him the opportunity to interact with students. He has also continued with his research and writing activities. His love of academia runs in the family; his mother taught English at university, his physician father was a member of a medical school faculty, and his uncle is a historian of modern Europe.

Dr. Woolf transitioned to more administrative roles because of his desire to have an impact on a bigger scale. After teaching for several years, he became associate dean and then acting dean of Graduate Studies at Dalhousie University, and later a dean at both McMaster University and the University of Alberta. The chance to return to Queen’s, and to Kingston, as the university’s principal, during what was and remains a challenging time for Canadian universities, was one he couldn’t resist. The opportunity to be a faculty member at his alma mater, and in the department in which he was educated, was equally enticing.

Queen’s is bigger now than it was when Dr. Woolf was a student. It’s also more research-intensive and has a more diverse student body.  In the future, he sees the university as a place known for innovation, a place with expanded capacity for research and graduate studies, a place that maintains high-quality undergraduate education, and a destination of choice for an increased number of international students.

Former United States President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn received honourary degrees presented by Chancellor Dodge and Principal Woolf at fall convocation.

Principal Woolf visited with Catherine Andre, a participant at the Undergraduate Student Summer Research Fellowship Presentation celebrating student achievement.

Principal Woolf visits with vendors at the Engineering Technology Career Fair for fall 2012.

Alumni celebrated the launch of the Initiative Campaign with Daniel Woolf in Ottawa at the National Gallery of Canada.

Principal Woolf joined students in taking an English test at the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Queen's School of English.

Principal Woolf participated in Shinerama activities in downtown Kingston during Frosh Week 2012.

Daniel Woolf served up some food to new students at the Orientation Week 2012 BBQ on the Summerhill lawn

On Move-In day, Daniel Woolf found first-year Arts student Brandon Pryce moving into the Brockington House residence room he lived in the '70s

Principal Woolf with his son Sam at Spring Convocation 2012

Queen's Formula SAE Team showed Daniel Woolf what they are working on at the campus community launch event for the Initiative Campaign.

Principal Woolf addressed faculty, staff and students at the campus community launch of the Initiative Campaign in September.

Principal Woolf proudly welcomed His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, to campus in October.

Principal Woolf spent the day with graduate student Paul Bradley, in October 2012. Paul and his friend Melissa McKay chatted with Daniel Woolf between classes.

Daniel Woolf, with medical students and Education Minister John Molloy, on a tour of the simulation lab in the new School of Medicine building

Principal Woolf poses with the Winnipeg women's curling team at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Kingston. Queen's is a proud sponsor of the curling championships.

Principal Woolf welcomes Kingston businesses to the Live & Work in Kingston Fair at Grant Hall. The fair connects students with job opportunities in Kingston.

Dr. Woolf is motivated by the students at Queen’s — their energetic spirit, bright minds and dedication to making a difference in the world. He occasionally has the opportunity to shadow a student for a day — to attend classes and chat over a meal. The experience allows him to connect and glean insight into what students are thinking and feeling. He also engages regularly through Twitter and his blog.

What he loves most about Queen’s are the people — students, faculty and staff — who make it tick, who transform the beautiful residential campus environment into a living, thriving learning environment where people are inspired to do great things.

Principal Woolf was reappointed for a second term on March 18, 2013. The term of reappointment will be effective July 1, 2014 and will conclude on June 30, 2019. Learn more about the reappointment...